Average Annual Salary by Region in South Korea: Based on Company Address

Average annual salary refers to the total yearly earnings received by employees working at companies located in a specific region, divided by the number of workers. It is a key metric for assessing regional income levels and industrial economic activity.

Average salaries in South Korea vary significantly by region, especially when analyzed based on company address rather than employee residence. This ranking is derived from employment and wage data compiled at the municipal and district level, highlighting how regional economic structures and industrial concentrations impact income levels.

Dong District in Incheon recorded the highest average annual salary at 70.58 million KRW. The area is known for its industrial base, including shipbuilding and logistics, which are typically associated with high-paying jobs. Following closely are Buk District in Ulsan (64.95 million KRW) and Icheon in Gyeonggi Province (63.79 million KRW), both home to large manufacturing facilities in automotive, petrochemical, and semiconductor sectors.

Seoul dominates the top ranks with several districts — Jongno (62.40 million KRW), Yeongdeungpo (60.81 million KRW), Jung (58.83 million KRW), and Gangnam (52.29 million KRW) — all reflecting the city’s concentration of finance, IT, and professional services. In the non-capital regions, Pohang (53.84 million KRW), Seosan (52.56 million KRW), and Naju (50.97 million KRW) ranked prominently, indicating the influence of regional industry hubs.

Interestingly, smaller industrial cities and districts with specialized economic zones often reported average salaries comparable to metropolitan centers. For example, Seosan’s petrochemical industry and Naju’s energy and public sector presence contribute to their strong wage levels. This suggests that income levels are heavily influenced by the dominant industries and major employers in a given area, regardless of population size.

The data also reflects broader economic patterns, where regions with major corporate headquarters or high-value industries show significantly higher average incomes. Areas with more diverse or service-based economies tend to have more moderate wage levels. These patterns provide a snapshot of the structural wage differences shaped by Korea’s regional economic development.